Galleries in the developed world have always played an important role in how people appreciate and buy photography and they allow photographers to market their images in purpose-built locations.

We asked Devika Daulet-Singh, an Indian-based Director of Photography who specializes in managing archives, what she thought the future of galleries would be in the sub-continent.

Says Devika: "Photoink, which I set up in 2001 after moving back to Delhi after working with Contact Press Images in New York, expanded into a gallery early this year.

Hence my observations are grounded in the world we inhabit where we, once again, walk an uncharted path.

The challenges of developing a market for both edition and non-edition photographic prints is a new experience. While we remain committed to presenting contemporary photography in India, our doors are equally open to photographers from across the world, promoting works over nationality.

Since Independence, photography in India has been viewed and disseminated primarily in news and editorial.

Originality has been controlled by media houses to the extent that personal work by photographers was never really encouraged or supported. The very few that were able to withstand those pressures did it out of the sheer grit of their personalities.

Coupled with no education institutions, independent photography found no patrons.

But in the last ten years we have seen a rising tide of young photographers whose ambitions exceed the newsprint. Where would these photographers go?

A photographic gallery becomes a natural space, its walls inviting works driven by independent thought. The photographic print is only now being viewed as an art object to be displayed in homes where traditionally there would have been paintings.

Being generally more affordable than paintings and sculptures, photographic prints have found a new lease on life. Younger art collectors are looking to acquire photographs to expand their existing interests in contemporary arts.

Over the next five to ten years, I see the establishment of more photography galleries which will nurture the development of private collections. Galleries will show more international photographers to broaden interest in the medium.

There is already a growing interest in works that are located within the sub-continent. The coming decade will see collectors seeking works that go beyond.

While the history of photography in India is nearly as old as the medium itself, there is no institutional support by the government. It would not surprise me to see private non-profit institutions take the lead to preserve and present both old archives and contemporary works.

I would like to imagine the day when existing art institutions offer a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in photography.

Photography’s place amongst the fine arts in India can only be cemented through a rigorous program established within the arts curriculum. And I’m optimistic about this happening sooner rather than later."